Eggplant (Aubergine) Roll Recipe ππ§π₯©
Overview:
Eggplant (Aubergine) Roll is a delightful dish that dances between being an appetizer star or the main course headliner. With a savory blend of ground beef, cheeses, and aromatic spices, it’s a treat for any occasion. This recipe yields 18-20 slices, perfect for a gathering of appetizer enthusiasts or a cozy dinner for 9 to 10 people.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 631.1
- Fat Content: 43.5g
- Saturated Fat: 17.3g
- Cholesterol: 87.4mg
- Sodium: 800.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 34.1g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4.6g
- Protein: 26.7g
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
2 | Eggplants (Aubergines) |
1 lb | Ground Beef |
1 | Onion |
2 | Garlic Cloves |
1 | Puff Pastry Sheets |
1/2 lb | Ham |
1/2 lb | Cheddar Cheese, shredded |
1/2 lb | Gouda Cheese, shredded |
1 can | Crushed Tomatoes |
2 tbsp | Fresh Spearmint, chopped |
1/2 tsp | Dried Spearmint |
1/8 tsp | Sugar |
1/4 tsp | Cinnamon |
1/4 tsp | Clove |
1/4 cup | Butter, melted |
To taste | Salt and Pepper |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Eggplant:
- Begin by slicing the eggplants into rounds.
- Fry them in olive oil until they reach a delicious dark brown color.
- Once fried, place the slices on paper towels to drain excess oil.
-
Prepare Beef Mixture:
- In a large, non-stick saucepan, brown the ground beef until it’s nicely cooked.
- Add in finely chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, fresh spearmint, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the mixture until it becomes thick and dry, ensuring all the flavors meld together beautifully.
-
Assemble the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 390Β°F (200Β°C).
- Lay out one sheet of puff pastry on a clean surface.
- Arrange a layer of the fried eggplant slices on the pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border along the edges.
- Sprinkle the eggplant lightly with salt.
- Next, add a generous layer of the cooked ground beef mixture over the eggplant.
- Follow this with a layer of ham slices and a blanket of shredded cheddar and gouda cheese.
- Carefully roll up the pastry into a tight log, starting from one long end and rolling jelly-roll style. Tuck in the ends to seal in all that goodness.
-
Bake to Perfection:
- Place the rolled pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the top of each roll with melted butter, ensuring a golden, crispy finish.
- Make small slits along the top of the pastry at 1-inch intervals, allowing steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the rolls turn a beautiful golden-brown hue.
- If the bottom of the pastry needs a bit more love, place the baking sheet directly on the oven floor for the last 10 minutes of baking.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once out of the oven, allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully slice the rolls into rounds, revealing the layers of flavorful goodness within.
- Serve warm, either as a tantalizing appetizer for a gathering or as a hearty main course for a cozy family dinner.
Tips and Variations:
-
Feta Twist: For a tangy and unique flavor profile, swap out the cheddar cheese with crumbled feta. Adjust the quantity slightly as feta tends to have a sharper, saltier taste.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these rolls ahead of time, simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or planned gatherings.
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Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, omit the ground beef and ham. Instead, load up on sautΓ©ed mushrooms, spinach, or any other favorite veggies.
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Serving Suggestions: These rolls are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a side of crisp salad greens, a dollop of creamy tzatziki, or a zesty tomato sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time Breakdown:
Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
30 minutes | 40 minutes | 1 hour 10 minutes |
So there you have it, a savory, cheesy, meaty delight wrapped in layers of golden puff pastry goodness. Whether you serve it as a show-stopping appetizer or a comforting main course, these Eggplant (Aubergine) Rolls are sure to impress! πβ¨